Aston Martin Archives

Aston Martin has become title sponsor of Red Bull Racing team

Aston Martin has announced that it is now the title sponsor for the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Next year, the team will compete in the 2018 championship as Aston Martin Red Bull Racing. The move will allow for better brand presence for Aston Martin, and entice the automaker to become more involved in the sport.

Both companies will have a closer working relationship pertaining to the development of F1 and road car technology. In fact, the ostentatious Aston Martin Valkyrie, which was unveiled in 2016, was a collaborative effort between both parties. Deliveries of the supercar to customers should take place sometime next year, but I digress.

This new F1 partnership will see the creation for 110 new jobs including employees who will be responsible for the future development of sports cars of these companies. Red Bull Racing has admitted that more than 100 of Aston Martin staff will service the new Advanced performance centre in Milton Keynes, the location of its HQ.

Despite Aston Martin admitting that the collaboration will offer the supercar maker better brand awareness and opportunities, that is only the tip of the iceberg. In fact, Aston’s CEO, Andy Palmer has said that, if conditions become favorable to the automaker, it could entertain the possibility of becoming an engine supplier.

Aston Martin will only be willing to consider the idea if the FIA make certain changes that allow for better regulations on the costs and dynamometer hours. It isn’t willing to jump in the game as did Honda, until it feels that it can be reasonably competitive in the sport.

This news comes after Porsche admitted that it is mulling over the idea of becoming an engine supplier for Formula One teams in 2021. Thanks to certain regulation changes in the sport, mainstream automakers are beginning to see the benefits of getting involved in Formula One.

Source: F1.com

Aston Martin Zagato family of four introduced

Aston Martin has revealed the final two cars of its Zagato family. As the name emplys, all four have been designed by the world renowned design house, Zagato. They are based on the Vanquish S and feature unique styling that differ from that of the regular Aston Martin cars.

The Vanquish Zagato Coupe and Volante were introduced last year with a limited production run of 99 cars each. According to the automaker, the order books have already been filled and customers can expect to get their cars by 2018.

What many will find most intriging about this news however, is the introduction of the Zagato Speedster and Shooting Brake. The latter is rather unusual because it breaks convention and may have purists up in arms. Though it and the Speedster retain the same basic design of the Volante and Coupe models, their rear quarter sections are where things get interesting.

The Shooting Brake is still considered a two seater GT and is said to offer an airy experience thanks to the large rear hatch. The Roof’s lines flow smoothly from front to rear without distortion or disruption to the suave silhouette.

Since all four are based on the same car, the Speedster shares a similar design to the Volante and Coupe safe for the double bubble rear roof. Though this many not be to everyone’s taste but the subtlety of the design allows for a more uniformed finish.

Aston Martin has limited the production of the Speedster to 28 cars in total, which is significantly less than the 99 car limit for the other three. This makes it a rare Aston and one that will probably become a collector’s item.

Though each car has its own individual styling that make it unique when compared to the other three, all share certain similarities which include the Vulcan inspired ‘blade’ tail lights, 3D Cagato ‘Z’ motifs in the front grille and rear vent meshes.

Andrea Zagato, CEO of Zagato said of the enduring creative partnership: “Zagato’s relationship with Aston Martin began with my grandfather and the DB4 GT Zagato, almost sixty years ago. To have a creative ‘marriage‘ thrive for three generations is something as unique as the cars themselves.”

All four get the Vanquish S’ near 600bhp V12 engine, which is mated to a Touchtronic III transmission. Thanks to adaptive damping, rigid body structure and a balanced suspension setup, the cars will be able to offer a good amount of driving pleasure.

Check out the relatively large picture gallery below and let us know your thoughts on the newly introduced Zagato family of four.

Aston Martin snatches Maserati’s Head of Advanced Powertrain

Aston Martin seems to be pretty busy readying thier fleet of new vehicles, which is probably part of the after effect of its agreement with Mercedes-Benz AMG. The German automotive giant has agreed to supply engines to the Gaydon based automaker and has also acquired a 5% stake in the company.

The strategy is especially evident with its recruitment of ex-Maserati man, Joerg Ross as Chief Engineer of powertrains. Ross, is a seasoned veteran in the powertrain business having served as the Head of Advanced Powertrain division at Maserati.

Prior to this, he held senior management positions at IAV, Scuderia Ferrari F1 and Ford. In total, he has spent more than 25 years in the automotive industry and has no doubt seen his share of technological advancements.

He will be responsible for the development of Aston Martin’s engines, transmissions and electrification work. Ross will be based at the company’s HQ at Gaydon, Warwickshire and will be reporting to Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, Max Szwaj.

“We are delighted to welcome Joerg to the Aston Martin team. His considerable experience and knowledge will prove invaluable for the Engineering team as we prepare the business for the next generation of Aston Martin products,” said Max Szwaj.

Born in Remscheid, Germany, Joerg holds a degree and a PHD in Mechanical Engineering from the RWTH Aachen University, Germany. He speaks several languages including German, English and Italian.

Speaking of his appointment, Ross said, “I’m delighted to be joining Aston Martin at what is an exciting time for the brand. The company is at a significant point in its history, with the recent announcement of its first all-electric car the RapidE. I’m excited to play a part in developing Aston Martin’s future vehicle strategy.”

It seems like the UK based supercar maker has big plans for the not so distant future. Though many consider an AMG engine in an Aston Martin as sacrilege, their proven reliability and power delivery should complement the elegantly styled sporty bodywork of Astons of the future.

Aston Martin Vulcan taken to new extremes with AMR Pro package

Aston Martin has been dominating the news these past few days and rightly so, considering that it announced several new releases and the fact that will be using Mercedes-Benz engines in its future cars. This time around, the news is on the wildest car to come from Gaydon, being made even wilder. The car in question, is the Vulcan fitted with the AMR Pro package.

After the upgrade, the car is badged as an AMR, Aston’s newly created performance brand. Compared with the base Vulcan, this upgrade gives the car extensive aerodynamic enhancements and shortened gearing to produce increased downforce, greater responsiveness and reduced lap times.

The aerodynamic changes that are made include loured panels added above the front wheel arches to extract high pressure air and reduce aerodynamic lift. A sizable pair of dive planes have been added to each side of the nose to help pin the front-end to the track and the front splitter has turning vanes fitted to its underside to improve steering response. Through some clever engineering, the car’s engine cover has been lightened too, by an impressive 5kg.

As for the rear, the changes are just as extensive as those at the front thanks to a new rear wing. Unlike that of the standard Vulcan, the AMR Pro’s wing has a dual plane design rather than a single plane one, and its main element features a 20mm ‘Gurney’ flap that is aided by slotted wing end-plates that have additional 15mm Gurneys to maximize downforce.

All these tweaks combined, give the AMR Pro 4000Nm of downforce compared to the standard Vulcan’s 3150Nm. This figure dwarfs that of the downforce generated by the 2017 Le Mans Winning Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE with just 3104Nm. They have also allowed the Centre of Pressure to be shifted closer to the middle at 47% compared to 41.5% of the base Vulcan. This will help improve traction, steering response and front-end grip.

Speaking of this upgrade pack Aston Martin Vice President and Chief Special Operations Officer, David King, said, “The shorter gearing makes for truly explosive acceleration between the corners, while the aero package’s increased downforce and improved balance gives our customers the all-important confidence to explore the extraordinary performance on offer.”

Having said all of this, the standard Vulcan is no slouch. Prior to the introduction of the AMR Pro package, it was the fastest, loudest and meanest looking Aston Martin to be made. It produces an impressive 820bhp from its colossal 7.0-litre V12 engine, coupled with a kerb weight of just 1,350kg, the car is nothing less than a rocketship.

Production was limited to just 24 cars and was delivered to customers throughout 2016. It was conceived and engineered to deliver similar excitement but exceed the performance of the automaker’s Le Mans winning race cars. Owners of the Vulcan have received extensive driver training by Aston Martin’s expert team of instructors to enable them to hone their skills at being able to tame the relatively bullish Vulcan.

The AMR Pro is an upgrade package that will be fitted to existing Vulcan cars in stages and depending on whether customers are keen to get the upgrade done. The package will be installed by Q by Aston Martin Advanced Operations. An already completed AMR Pro will be make an appearance at the Good Wood Festival of Speed today.

Aston Martin DB11 is the first to receive Mercedes-AMG engine

Aston Martin’s DB11 will be the first receipient in the company’s line up of a Mercedes-AMG engine, which is the fruition of the partnership between the German manufacturer and the Gaydon based supercar maker.

Buyers will now be able to order their Aston Martin with either the existing 5.2-litre turbocharged V12 or the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 from Mercedes-Benz. The latter weighs about 115kg lighter than the former, which should offer the DB11 better agility especially when meandering through corners. It’s power output is rated at close to 510bhp and 675Nm of torque, which will allow the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 301km/h.

Speaking of the latest addition, Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, Max Szwaj, said, “As an engineer I find the DB11 a fascinating car. One with great depth of character and ability. Of course the V12-engined variant is an icon – an ultimate, if you like, but the V8 is very much its own car. One with a distinct and carefully crafted character that’s truly seductive.”

Despite it being a Mercedes-AMG sourced engine, Aston Martin’s engineers have fettled with it and added their own personal touch to ensure that the end result, is a powerplant that fits the needs and demands of a true Aston Martin. The calibration carried out included creating new ECU software and reprogramming the engine and throttle mapping to ensure that it offers and feel and sound that the brand is known for.

Several changes were made to the DB11 in order for the new V8 to fit in perfectly. They include a bespoke air intake, exhaust and wet sump lubrication systems, as well as new engine mounts. Together, they allow the engine to sit as low as possible to optimize the centre of gravity.

Most of the weight is centered within the wheelbase and as a result, should increase the car’s ability to react to sudden changes in steering input. And to fully support this, detailed revisions were made to the suspension bushing, geometry, anti-roll bars, springs, dampers and ESP software.

Looking at the exterior, there subtle design changes that tell it apart from its V12 powered sibling, and they include a unique alloy wheel finish, dark headlamp bezels and a pair of bonnet vents as apposed to the quartet that is featured on the V12 model. The vents are painted in either black or titanium-finish mesh – unique to the V8 variant.

As for the interior, there are no distinctions between the two variants as both get the same stuff, which, depending on what’s chosen, include the Options Pack, Designer Specification packages and a suite of Q by Astion Martin.

These Mercedes-AMG powered DB11 cars should go on sale towards the fourth quarter of this year but, one of them will make an appearance at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Aston Martin confirms production of first fully-electric supercar

Aston Martin has confirmed that the RapidE, which was unveiled two years ago in concept form, will enter production in 2019. It will be a limited production run vehicle with just 155 cars being produced in total. And it will be the first fully-electric model to be produced by the Gaydon based manufacturer.

No word yet on whether there would be styling changes or if the production car will retain the same curves and contours as the concept. But the car will be based upon the forthcoming Rapide AMR concept, which means that styling and vehicle dynamics wouldn’t deviate too much from that of the Rapide S albeit the electric motor(s) will take the place of the standard car’s glorious V12.

Speaking of the RapidE, Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said, “RapidE represents a sustainable future in which Aston Martin’s values of seductive style and supreme performance don’t merely co-exist alongside a new zero-emission powertrain, but are enhanced by it. RapidE will showcase Aston Martin’s vision, desire and capability to successfully embrace radical change, delivering a new breed of car that stays true to our ethos and delights our customers.”

The RapidE will be jointly developed with Williams Advanced Engineering who also worked on the original concept car. Together the team are striving to meet Aston Martin’s goal of producing an energy-efficient vehicle that retains the style and soul of the legendary sports cars of the past that have bared the company’s name.

Aston Martin has yet to release substantial information pertaining to performance other than a statement that the car will offer the kind of experience that has been absent from other Aston Martin cars. That said, it might be awhile before the automaker divulges more data.

Aston Martin emerge victorious at Nurburgring 24 Hours

Aston Martin had an eventful weekend which finally led to it clinching the win in the 2017 ADAC Nurburgring 24 Hours SP8 category. It’s GT8 race car piloted by Darren Turner survived a torrential downpour without incident to reach the finish line ahead of all its rivals. The late storm covered a third of the 20.832km circuit, making it very challenging for everyone to stay on track.

The Aston Martin Vantage GT8 led its class for much of the race thanks to its revolutionary active oil management system. The car was performing so well that for much of the night, it was able to keep up with more powerful GT3 cars in higher classes as well as run with the top 30 cars in the race.

Despite the heavy downpour, Aston Martin elected to keep Turner on track with dry weather tyres rather than risk loosing positions with a pit-stop. The team felt that it had enough of a lead to maintain its position despite the traction deficit from the tyres.

Thankfully, the tactic paid off, and Turner managed to nurse the car to the chequered flag in 21st position and 1st in its class. Turner was joined by co-drivers reigning FIA World Endurance Champion Nicki Thiim and Peter Cate on the podium for a much deserved celebration.

Speaking of the hard fought win, Turner said, “When you have heavy rain here, it might only fall on a third of the track. So you really want to wait until it looks like everything is going to get wet before changing tyres. It’s great to have won here at the Nordschleife. You are constantly fighting the circuit and the elements here rather than the competition. This is a hard track, in what is effectively a production car, and to survive that is testament to the build and quality of the Vantage GT8.”

The near to production Vantage GT8 shares very little with a GT3 spec race car. In fact, the car runs with a standard V8 engine, gearbox and electronics that is similar to what you would get from a conventional Vantage. This is a testament to the capabilities of the car at running with higher powered racers and still being able to keep up with them.

Aston Martin release video showcasing 28 of its most important cars

Aston Martin has published an interesting video showcasing some of the best vehicles of the company’s history to commemorate the transfer of ownership of three super hangers to the sportscar maker in St. Athan, South Wales. At this very location, Aston Martin has opened its second manufacturing plant to deal with its expansion plans.

The Aston Martin Vulcan was the first model to come out of the new site in St. Athan, where production is expected to ramp up to accommodate more vehicle models. This move will allow the redevelopment of its primary manufacturing site into a state-of-the-art facility.

In the video, Aston Martin showcases 28 special cars from its 104-year histroy by allowing some of its better known drivers indulge in some boyish shenanigans with £65 million worth of cars. The drivers include Aston Martin Racing’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) drivers, Darren Turner and Nicki Thiim and Aston Martin’s Chief Engineer, Matt Becker.

Instead of boring you with more details, take a look at the video and bask in beauty and soundsfrom the likes of the A3, DBR1, One-77, A number of Vantages, Rapide S and the Vulcan.

Aston Martin launch Vanquish S Red Arrows edition

If you fancy owning a bespoke Aston Martin, then you are in luck. The automaker will be building a special edition of the Vanquish S, named The Q by Aston Martin Vanquish S Red Arrows edition.

The purpose, is to pay homage to the men and women of the Royal Air-Force acrobatic team – The Red Arrows. Founded in 1965, the team which comprises of nine pilots, showcase their razor-sharp reactions of their jets at airshows both in the UK and abroad.

Aston Martin adopted the Red Arrows paint scheme for the car and it also has white and blue carbon livery detailing to the white ‘smoke trail’ features on the side streak. An exposed carbon fibre roof panel includes an inlaid ‘charge’ pattern which is said to resemble the canopy of a jet. Union Jack enamel wing badges and titanium exhaust complete the exterior package.

Inside, buyers get Pinewood green inserts and green webbing seatbelts. The signature Red Arrows emblem of nine aircraft in classic ‘diamond’ formation is embroidered on the seat backs, along with unique sill and engine inspection plaques. these plaques will bear the numbers 1 to 10 representing each of the 10 cars that will be produced.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team logo is embroidered on the transmission tunnel, and the rear of the cabin is finished in the 2+0 configuration, allowing for rear-mounted stowage of twin racing helmets, both finished in the Red Arrows livery.

In usual Aston Martin fashion owners will also get a number of accessories which include a racing helmet, racing suit, bespoke embroidered bomber jackets, a special luggage set and a 1:18 die-cast of the the car and the Hawk aircraft.

Only nine of these cars will be available for purchase through Aston Martin Cambridge while the 10th, will be gifted to the RAF Benevolent Fund, the charity that has been established to support former service personnel and their families.

The car was introduced at the handover of the former RAF St Athan facility in South Wales, which is soon to become the automaker’s second manufacturing plant in the UK.